I think Dumbledore wins the cup for the Closest to the Writer's Avatar--and that's not a slam. I think JKR is clearly signaling, heck, putting up 10 foot tall neon signs, that All Is Not As It Seems re Snape.
Also, my further thoughts are that in a mystery novel, you can't be SURE someone is dead and gone until DNA tests come back from a reputable lab. In fantasy, all bets are off. Way back in the day, on first reading, I WAILED over Gandalf taking the high dive with the Balrog....
(no subject)
Date: 2005-07-23 03:31 pm (UTC)Also, my further thoughts are that in a mystery novel, you can't be SURE someone is dead and gone until DNA tests come back from a reputable lab. In fantasy, all bets are off. Way back in the day, on first reading, I WAILED over Gandalf taking the high dive with the Balrog....